18 days post op, can I get in the pool?

I had a TAH on 23 Jan 08. I have a bikini incision about 7 inches long. I did not have any staples, just glue, which is about half off. I am healing very well and have not had a problem with my incision. My doctor told me to shower everyday, wash the incision and pat it dry.
My post op instructions do not say anything about getting in the bathtub or pool. There is an "Aqua Walking" class at my gym that I want to take. I am cleared for light exercise but I don't know if I am supposed to be in the water yet. I am not concerned about the walking part, just the aqua part!
Obviously, I will be calling my dr. before I try this out, but I would like feedback on what post op instructions you all have received about getting in the water. I am not much of a swimmer, but I am looking for exercises I CAN do until I am cleared to run and do more strenuous workouts again. My gym offers alot of classes in waist/chest deep water, and I'd like to do something different. Can you tell I'm bored in my recovery??
Jill

I had LSH on 1/22 and have been in my pool since 1/30. Granted, I have not been doing any sort of exercising in the pool, merely floating around and throwing toys for the dogs. But as of day 8, I was in the water.

I would check first with your Dr. I was told no baths for 4 weeks. At 5 weeks I went to Mexico and had the go ahead to swim in both the pool and the ocean. As you will always hear, everyone is different in their recovery. I relied very heavily on my Dr. and surgeon in those first 6 weeks for sure.
Tracy

I agree with checking with your doctor regarding your own recovery. After my surgery, I wasn't allowed to take baths, get in pools or hot tubs for 6 weeks (when he released me) due to the possibilty of harmful bacteria being introduced vaginally that could cause an infection.

Better safe than sorry...give your doctor a call.

s, Deb

I have to agree with everyone else.. I wanted to go back to the health club and my gyn said not until 8 weeks. I think they think the water may be too contaminated and as the other ladies said, you don't want to risk a vaginal infection right now.

Definitely check with your doctor before you do anything - better safe than sorry, and most docs do have restrictions about baths, hot tubs, and pools. A quick phone call will be worth the time.